Tony Williams

The Most Musical Drummer

Tony Williams joined the Miles Davis band aged only 17 and stayed through 1964 - 1968. This was the premier band of the day, and is known as Miles Davis'S 2nd Great Quintet.

Carpe Deim

Carpe diem, quam minimum credula posteroHorace

"Seize the day, trusting as little as possible in the future"

The
ode it comes from, says that the future is unknowable, and that instead one should
scale back one's hopes to a brief future, and drink one's wine...

I had the opportunity to talk with Tony Williams in the mid-1990s. I went to see him play at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club. In the intermission, after the first set, he had a break and then came out front into the audience area. I looked at him in disbelief, as he slowly walked by just in front of me, obviously looking for a chat and approachable. I just stood there, rooted to the spot unable to get my nerves together and think of anything to say. Tragically not very long after, he was to pass away. As I say, Carpe Diem!